Help Sandra Recover From Unexpected, Unfair Sewage Damage

Thank you for taking the time to review my fundraiser. My name is Matt, and I have created this fundraiser on behalf of my mother, Sandra.

On the late afternoon of January 11, 2024, the City of La Crosse (Wisconsin) was performing sewer work to clear a blockage near my mother’s house. While this work was taking place, the drain in my mother’s basement began to back up and flooded with brownish/greenish solid and liquid waste. The waste covered a significant portion of the basement floor and it was so grotesque it made her ill and she was not able to stay in her home for the night.

My mother called a cleanup company (Servepro) to clean up the sewage, which took place over three days, spanning January 11-15. The fee for the clean-up was $3,047.40.

We contacted the City of La Crosse looking for support and were encouraged to complete a claim form with the city. Unfortunately, in late February, claims were denied by WMMIC, the liability carrier for the City of La Crosse. Upon reaching out to WMMIC to find out why the claim was denied, a representative stated “the City of La Crosse has Discretionary Immunity”. After speaking with a few lawyers over the past couple months, our understanding is that if an accident such as this happens while the city is performing work on city property (like our street), it cannot be held liable or responsible for any unpredictable damages as a result of the work. Filing a lawsuit appears to be an unwinnable battle.

My mother feels broken from the financial burden, lost for answers and helplessly cheated by the scenario and lack of resolution by the city. She has lived in this same home for over 35 years and not once has she experienced a backup in her basement until January 11. We do not feel like this was simply a coincidence and is definitely not anything she could have prepared for or prevented.

Sandra is 65 years old and is still working full-time at McDonald’s in town. She has delayed retirement in order to cover a car payment, mortgage, flood insurance and all the other typical everyday bills people have. Her homeowner’s insurance does not cover the sewage damage. Being able to recoup the fees for the cleanup, as well as the few other items outlined below, would mean the world – financially and emotionally – to my mother.

What we are trying to fundraise to cover the cost of:

ServePro Fee

Property Damage

Lost Wages

Total Damages: $3,578.50

My mother and I do appreciate your willingness to take time from your day to review this fundraiser. Any contribution you would be willing to make would be appreciated more than you could ever imagine.